Best Christmas gifts of 2018: The best presents and gift ideas for him and her

Bianca Barratt, Jessica Reynolds, Ellie Davis

Updated 14 December 2018 at 10:23 am

As John Lewis and Elton John so wonderfully reminded us this year, sometimes, a gift is more than just a gift.

Embracing the thoughtful, the inspiring and the downright unusual, our gift guide brings you the best from the independent and big brand designers and puts the presents that’ll go down in history right on your radar.

However modest your budget, you’re sure to find something on here that’ll thrill even the most difficult – to – buy – for people in your life.

Permission granted for you to take all the credit – consider this our Christmas gift to you.

Here’s our pick of the best Christmas gifts to buy this year.

For the home

Artist Wool Blankets

Mexico-based artist Daniel Berreto was brought in to help create this truly unique collection of artist-designed wool blankets from Zurich-based textile brand ZigZagZurich. Made with 100 per cent New Zealand wool, the vibrant and achingly cool designs are inspired by various graphics and art movements, from Pop Art to the Bauhaus era. The weaving technique used includes a twisted yarn effect, which helps to create a balayage of colour and added texture. Challenging the themes of traditional craft, these altogether gorgeous blankets make a thoughtful Christmas gift for all ages. A piece to cherish for years to come, this is a wholly original and well crafted collection.

£160.39 | ZizZagZurich | Buy it now

Cool Machine Shop

Cool Machine is a French concept shop with some of the most creative and interesting products we found this year. Think handmade vases and jewellery, original prints, unique handbags, textiles and a whole host of accessories that just make you think well, that is pretty cool. The products are one of a kind and each impart a serious heaping of personality and artistry - certainly one brand to keep your eyes on in 2019.

Vase: 69,00€ | Buy it now

Shop Cool Machine

Aromatherapy Diffuser

The gift of a nice smelling home can not be understated, and you don't need to be a pet owner or smoker to appreciate the effect of walking through the door and into the clean, crisp scent of whatever it is you fancy. The sleek and smooth design is easily adaptable to many interiors and the 7 LED light colour options can be switched off if you prefer a wholly natural look.

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Make it an all-in-one gift and pick up the 6 piece essential oil gift set so she can use it Christmas day, or pick up any variety of essential oils from your local health food store. If you need more convincing check out our full round-up on the best essential oil diffusers for large rooms.

£26.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

Kiss the Moon candle - PEACE

If you have a candle addict in your life (Serenity by Jan anyone?) this deliciously fragrant aromatherapy candle will leave them basking in its luscious scent. Vanilla and rosewood take the lead balancing each other perfectly between sweet and earthy. A lingering hit of bitter orange makes this the pudding du jour of home fragrances this Christmas. Made with pure soy way and 100 per cent pure essential oils, the etched glass vessel is a lovely touch to an already loveable gift.

£38 | Kiss The Moon | Buy it now

Home Espresso Machines

We might be a nation of tea drinkers but sometimes coffee overtakes the cuppa. If you're looking for a luxe Christmas gift that will last for years and provide an instantaneous ohhhmygodthankyou! then a home espresso machine is the way to go. We've selected three of the best all of which feature integrated milk wands for at-home frothing.

Price compare this SMEG espresso machine at John Lewis, Currys and Amazon.

Pour Over Coffee Makers

One of the fastest growing trends among coffee lovers, this hand dripped method, or slow coffee, really is as easy as it looks, simply pour the hot water over the coffee grounds that are placed in the funnel system, either through a paper or built in filter, and wait. Check out our full feature on pour over coffee makers for full the slow-down here.

Foxley Sheepskin Slippers

If you decide to quit your job just so you can work from home and wear these slippers permanently - we won't judge you. Like walking on snuggly memory foam mattress, these slippers are in a league of their own luxury. While this specific pair is designed for ladies the men's collection has just as many come-hither options that will keep your fella plenty warm all winter. The sole of this slipper also features a textured surface so you're not restricted to just the house. The quality is obvious at first glance and even more so when you slip them on to sublime comfort. It might be the season of giving but do yourself a favour and get a pair of your own.

£55 | Just Sheepskin | Buy it now *On sale now, was £75

See all men's slippers here.

The Nutter Cycling Multi Tool

This super practical gift is a must-have for all cyclists. The set contains 10 different tools combined in one handy instrument to fix whatever problems may arise when on the road. The streamlined design weighs a mere 110g, and, the leather pouch adds a handsome touch. While many cyclists will surely own some sort of tool for their bike, we promise you they won't have one like this.

£39.99 | Bear & Bear | Buy it now

Fondue Gift Set

Give the gift of a brie-liant fondue set this Christmas for cheese and chocolate lovers everywhere. From classic cast iron and wood fondue sets to contemporary copper variations, it's a gift everyone in the house will love to use. Entertain big or small, cheese or choc, the gooey goodness is the

Lagavulin Distillers Edition Double Matured

Truly one of the best bottles of whisky you will ever drink, the Lagavulin Distillers Edition is nothing short of extraordinary. While some may be more familiar with the standard 16-year-old Lagavulin, this is arguably better, and as a gift, certainly feels a little more special. You can also have this bottle engraved in time for Christmas if you really want to make it bespoke gift. To taste, there is dark chocolate and raisins, a bit of coffee and not too much smoke: simply put it is a phenomenal dram to give this Christmas and an even better one to drink.

£74.45 | The Whisky Exchange | Buy it now

The Tech To Impress

Yep, we've done it. The future is here and robots are real and not stupidly expensive as one may rightfully assume. While they may not be the robot maids of the Jetsons era, they can make daily tasks a lot easier and without any sass - unless you specially ask for it.

Google Home Hub

When we’re knee deep in life admin, we often find our thoughts drifting to fantasies of the day we’ll be rich enough to have a personal assistant. Whilst the Google Home Hub won’t do your laundry for you, it’ll certainly help to organise your life. Set it up and call on the Google Assistant to be your personal DJ, event planner and shopping list builder.

It also allows you to make calls and get a news bulletin all before you’ve even had your morning coffee (which you can schedule to be brewed in time for when you stumble into the kitchen, bleary eyed, by the way). Come to think of it, if your appliances are all set up with smart technology, you actually can get it to do your laundry. Whether they’re gadget buffs or technophobes, the Hub is simple to use for anyone. Now, if only we could get it to do the cooking.

£139 | Argos | Buy it now

HAY Sonos One Limited Edition

Danish brand Hay has partnered up with Sonos to transform the brand’s iconic One model in five all new colourways. Offered in red, green, pastel pink, light grey and pale yellow, the speakers feature Amazon Alexa voice control and are compatible with 80 music services worldwide – while also looking super stylish in your space.

£209 | Sonos | Buy it now *On sale now

Beats Solo 3 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Beats have come a long way since the brand first burst into the scene and the the Beats’ Solo 3 headphones are some of the best ones yet. Ideal for those always on the go with the noise-cancelling and super comfortable ear cups. The wireless headphones can connect to your iPhone, tablet or any other device with up to 40 hours of battery life. You can also answer and receive calls and control your music with the on-ear controls. The Beats are offered in an extensive range of colours, from black and grey, to white and pink.

£229.99 | Currys | Buy it now *6 colours avaliable

Anki Vector Robot

Not so much a toy as it is an intelligent smart home device, Vector is set to be one of the best selling robots of 2018 and is already the smartest home robot on the market. Fitting into the palm of your hand and controlled by sound, sight, and touch, this powerful little robot is powered by AI and does not require a device to function, just good ol' fashioned wi-fi. Voice-activated and cloud connected, you can ask Vector to take photos - complete with an ultra wide HD camera you can get some candid Christmas snaps without having to heard your entire family together like a sheep dog. Simple everyday things like weather updates, trivia questions, kitchen timer, alarm clock are all part of Vector's entertaining features.

£199.99 | John Lewis | Buy it now

Polaroid Original OneStep +

Ah, Polaroid our modern nostalgic friend. This newsest version for 2018 is an upgrade from last year's OneStep2 and is kitted out with some incredible features. For the first time, the camera is fitted with a portrait lens, allowing any snap-happy photographers to shoot from as close as one foot away. The collaboration with the Polaroid Originals, however, is where things really start to get creative.

Connected to your phone via Bluetooth, one of the new device features is a double exposure, which allows you to capture two photos in a single frame to create some seriously surreal images. There is also a rather inventive Light Painting feature which follows a light source and turns it into your paintbrush. There is also a noise trigger. Just a quick clap of your hands will trigger the shutter, catching an action shot - must have for anyone trying to get candid shots as well.

£139.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

The Frame TV by Samsung with 4K UHD

The Frame by Samsung not only uses new tech to give you a nothing short of awesome tv (exceptional clarity and an ultrawide viewing angle that lets you see just about anything from anywhere) but it does so with the appearance of one at all. The no gap wall-mounted (or freestanding) TV in disguise, carries the slogan a'rt when its's off' and that really couldn't be a more apt description.

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You can access a free art trial and choose from a catalogue of images, simply switch the TV to art mode when you're done with it and voilà - art, invention and a heck of good TV.

£2,199 for 65" | John Lewis | Buy it now

Also available at £1,499 for 49" and £1,799 FOR "55

Living DNA Testing Kit

Now here is something they will never expect. Living DNA will present you with your family ancestry data going back 10 generations (many companies only go back 4 or 5) alongside your motherline data which is the type of DNA that gets passed down from mother to child. The kit includes a simple mouth swab you mail back in a prepaid envelope and once your sample has been received Living DNA gets to work. Breaking down your ancestry in percentages across 80 worldwide regions Living DNA can pinpoint where within many countries your ancestors are from. For example, the UK is broken down into 21 regions; the largest representation of UK specific ancestry. There is also a Family Network where you can reconstruct your family tree using DNA.

Safe, effective and absolutely fascinating. The gift of learning more about yourself is a truly special present.

£79 | Living DNA | Buy it now *Buy two or more for £69 each

2019 Diaries and Planners

Leather Planner Gift Pack

A new year staple, start 2019 how you mean to go on with this planner that will ensure you are organised and on top of your diary. Offered in a gift box, the set contains the planner in a soft grey hue, a metal twist pen, sticker sheets and a matching luggage tag.

£37.80 | kikki.K | Buy it now

Festive Stars 2019 Soho Diary

This Smythsons diary is a luxurious take on a seasonal must-have. The practical notebook features one side with a week layout while the next side allows you to fill in all your tasks and notes. We particularly love the star motif.

£175 | Smythsons | Buy it now

Papier Ludo Pink 2019 Diary Luke Edward Hall

Stationery wizards Papier elevate a diary from practical to personal. These beautiful hard-cover diaries come in a variety of covers featuring gorgeous prints from artist collaborations - in this case: Luke Edward Hall. Complete with weekly, monthly and yearly overviews, plus space listing goals and a ribbon marker, upon purchase you have the option of personalising the front cover in a message and font of choice.

£21.99 | Papier | Buy it now

Beauty

Harry's Winter Winston Deluxe Gift Set

A shaving set, we hear you ask – isn’t that a dull gift? Well, no – not if it comes from a cool brand like Harry’s. Set up by two friends on the hunt for reasonably priced razors that were easy to access (no more standing around in pharmacy queues waiting for staff to unlock the security cases), Harry’s is the millennial minded man’s answer to well-kept facial hair. The company donates 1 per cent of sales each year to causes that challenge masculinity stereotypes, such as Headstrong and A Call To Men. The Winter Winston set comes with shave gel, a razor and three German – engineered blade cartridges. Aside from any of the above, this set looks good, making it a thoughtful gift for the moustache-d, bearded and clean shaven men in your life.

£38 | Harrys | Buy it now

Dyson Airwrap Hair Styler

Undoubtedly the beauty tool of the year, Dyson's Airwrap Styler really is the most inventive and sought after styling tool of 2018. Like everything from Dyson, the technology is pioneering and irreplicable. It's the best of the best and if you want to give the gift of flawless, fabulous hair you couldn't do better than the Dyson Airwrap.

£399.99 | John Lewis | Buy it now

£399 | Dyson | Buy it now Price compare at Boots.

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm (75ml)

Australian luxury skincare brand Aesop know a thing or two about glowing, deliciously healthy skin. For a taste of luxury, their hand creams come in sustainable plastic tubes at a very reasonable price. This unique blend of mandarin oil, rosemary leaf and cedarwood is a lovely scent for cooler months while remaining light and not too overpowering.

£19 | Space NK | Buy it now

CHANEL N°5 Eau de Parfum Limited Edition, 100ml

Buying a scent for your favourite lady can be a demanding task, so we suggest you turn to the classics. CHANEL N°5 probably takes the cake for the most celebrated perfume in the world. And what a better time to indulge than this Christmas when the brand has released a limited edition bottle in Gabrielle Chanel's favourite colour: red.

£130 | John Lewis | Buy it now

Fashion

Topshop X Halpern Collection

It can be intimidating to buy gifts that are fashion related – after all, style is such a personal thing. But when it comes to Topshop collaborations – particularly this Halpern one – it’s almost impossible to get it wrong. Retro, disco, glitz and glamour, this bold and brash partnership turns traditional party wear on its head. From sequined jumpsuits to velvet trousers, there’s something for every diva in this Studio 54 inspired 24 piece collection, which dabbles in clashing prints, eye watering colour combos and contradicting fabrics. Get in there quickly, though, as it’ll surely sell like hot cakes. New Year’s Eve never looked so good.

From £40 | Topshop | Buy it now

Men's Fine Z Pocket Hoodie

When you’re in something of a cold bind, it’s often a North Face layer that saves the day. Great quality, gloriously warm and casually understated, this hoodie is smarter than most, allowing men to throw it on and still look well dressed. It comes in three muted shades but the black is the least casual of the lot, giving the design more of a sharp, tailored look than the other colours. Its sophisticated style gives it a more mature look, making it a great option for men who like to be comfortable but still take pride in their appearance.

£110 | The North Face | Buy it now

Danse Lente Phoebe Cross Body Bag

From London based accessories designer, Danse Lente (French for ‘slow dance’), comes the Phoebe Bis Dust bag. With two sizeable compartments and the iconic spiral handles, it’s a rif on the original Phoebe design, which comes up slightly smaller. Its simple tote structure lets the colour and design do all the talking – the buttery pale pink leather perfectly offsets the acetate closure and teal strap, giving it an overall look that’s totally one-of-a-kind. This is the gift to give the woman who has everything (including exceptional taste) – both classic and avante garde, it’s our accessories hero of the season.

£375 | Moda Operandi | Buy it now

Saba Jacket by SAMSØE & SAMSØE

Although you can't feel this absolute dream of a jacket on your screen trust us when we say this faux fur beauty is in the lead for Best Faux Fur Jacket of the decade. Every inch of the Saba jacket feels luxurious and incredibly decadent. The thick layer of extra padding does actually make this one a practical gift - but who are we kidding, come spring we'll still be wearing it over our pyjamas doing the hoovering, because anything in this jacket feels fabulous. Available in three colours.

£244.95 | SAMSØE & SAMSØE | Buy it now

Snag the blue version of this jacket at Trouva on sale now.

Shoes by Yuul Yie

This under-the-radar brand was launched by Korean shoe designer Sunyuul Yie and has already made its mark on the UK. The collection of retro-inspired yet architectural designs and use of fine Italian leather has made the brand a firm favourite. We’re particularly loving the 70s slingback pumps with the elegant buckle adornment. Guaranteed to provoke an ohmygodIloveit moment.

From £225 | Browns | But it now

Allbirds Wool Shoes in Cream (men and women’s)

In the era of athleisure, who are you really unless you have a cool pair of trainers to skip around in? Enter Allbirds: a sustainable, chic trainer brand from New Zealand that makes shoes with merino wool, of all things. If this brings to mind images of jumpers accidentally shrunk small enough to fit your cat, hear us out. These simple running shoes use the finest NZ merino wool that comes with a list of nifty natural properties.

Temperature regulating and naturally water repellent, they keep feet cool and dry and – perhaps most importantly – won’t shrink in the rain. The design is deliberately pared back and the company is ethically sound. The sheep are well cared for, the wool uses 60% less energy than synthetic materials to produce, the laces are made from recycled plastic bottles and the packaging is 90% recycled cardboard. We know – we love them too.

£95 | Allbirds | Buy it now

Cashmere Gloves

A pair of winter gloves is a season essential, a pair of cashmere gloves is a luxury we deem essential. Indulge your loved one with this pair from & Other Stories in Plum. Made from 100% cashmere, they'll keep her hands warm for years to come.

£35 | & Other Stories | Buy it now

Jewellery for all types

Alighieri zodiac necklace

For a really lovely gift with a personal touch, a zodiac necklace is the right one. This stunning range from London-based Alighieri exclusive to Matchesfashion includes 12 individual necklaces depicting each month of the zodiac. Made from 24kt gold-plated bronze, each necklace features an imperfect pendant embossed with a horoscope symbol strung from a delicate chain. And no woman is ever impartial to precious jewellery.

£195 | Matchesfashion | Buy it now

Solid Gold GRL PWR Earrings

If you are on the hunt for a luxe gift with way more attitude than a plain pair of diamonds, look no further. With a celebrity fan base that includes Rita Ora, Adwoa Aboah and Mabel Mcvey, London-based jewellery designer Isabella Townsley's GRLPWR collection was designed in celebration of the 'Year of the Woman'. To take you straight from Christmas day to any NYE celebrations, the hoop earrings bring a playful yet elegant touch to any ensemble.

£520 | Isabella Towsley | Buy it now

Milk Tooth LDN

Independent jewellery brands are having something of a moment and Milk Tooth is no exception. Born out of the founders’ frustration with the lack of high quality characterful options available on the high street, the first collection mixed vintage with original pieces. Blending together a kind of Aztec vibrancy with Art Deco silhouettes, the designs are unique and positively pop with colour. Each one is gold plated and built to last, making the perfect thoughtful gift the recipient can treasure forever.

From £45 | Milk Tooth LDN | But it now

Books to love

The gift of a good book is something truly special. A well loved story, an adored passage or even just the memory of where you were in life when you read it is what makes book gifting one the best possible Christmas presents. From emerging authors to literary titans, there are quite literally thousands of incredible books to choose from. We've covered many genres this year and you can find more great book roundups from the best graphic novels to the best uplifting books of 2018 by navigating our book page here.

Middlemarch - A Study of Provincial Life by George Eliot

One of the most famous and beloved English novels of all time, Middlemarch by George Eliot has been released in a superb new production by the Folio Society. The title is not only the most requested in the Folio catalogue but the 1871 novel is regarded as one of the best-ever works of historical fiction. Bound in a blocked cloth and featuring stunning illustrations by Pierre Mornet, this book will hold a prized place for all literary loyals, especially those who favour classic British fiction. Set in the fictitious Midlands town of Middlemarch, the ambitious work details the intersecting story lines of multiple characters with a mesmerising power over readers.

£75 | Folio Society | Buy it now

Milkman by Anna Burns

Winner of the 2018 Man Booker Prize, Milkman is set in an unnamed city in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and details the story about a young girl's affair with a married man. Milkman is just as much as story about Belfast as it is about anywhere where there is conflict, regardless what that conflict might be. An exceptional and highly praised novel of 2018, you will find yourself reading ths book for the simple pleasure of hearing it in your head.

£5.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

Everything Under by Daisy Johnson

One of the most talked about books this year, British author Daisy Johnson is the youngest person to ever be nominated for the Man Booker Prize - but her debut novel Everything Under is more impressive than just her young age. This exceptionally well crafted and overwhemingly well recived novel is a reimagined take on the the Greek myth Oedipus. Johnson filters her modern version through the lens of a troubled mother daughter relationship in today's Britain. A fantastic book for all types of readers.

£9.90 | Amazon | Buy it now

The Book Of Everyone – Personalised Book

If you're looking for a truly personalised gift to give this Christmas get them their very own Book of Everyone. Rather than fishing out embarrassing naked toddler photos and displaying them in a slide show that’ll last for five minutes, why not get them printed in a book that’ll last forever? Fill it with whatever you like from photos and personalised facts about the year they were born, the age they are now, everything in between, or maybe just a collection of your favourite moments and memories, it’s the keepsake that keeps on giving and a perfect Christmas gift they will love well beyond December 25th.

More inventive than a simple photo book and less embarrassing than a slide show, it’s a thoughtful celebration of a person you love.

From £23.95 | Book of Everyone | Buy it now

Experiences

I-Escape Gift card

If you're really stuck for a gift idea this Christmas you absolutely can't go wrong with the promise of a holiday. With over 1,500 places in 50 countries to select from, the exuberant recipient will be spoilt for choice between luxury boutique hotels and enviable destinations. Select any amount from £25 up and give them the gift of a little break anytime they want. There might be a lot of goodies under the tree this year but this little card offers some seriously big joy.

From £25 | i-escape | Buy it now

Up at The O2 Climb for Two

Channel your inner thrill-seeker and climb the roof of London’s iconic O2. With this experience, you will make a 365m journey to the summit, which sits 52m above ground level. This gift for two will give the opportunity to see an impressive view of the capital and take snaps at the top.

£72 | Virgin Experiences | Buy it now

YO! Sushi Workshop for Two

This experience will allow you and a friend or loved one to try your hand at making your own sushi from the experts at the conveyer belt chain YO! Sushi. You will learn to make inside-out rolls, maki, nigiri and temaki hand rolls and step-by-step creations so you can recreate the pieces at home.

£50 | Virgin Experiences | Buy it now

Make Your Own Gin Experience For Two

We all have that one friend that is gin obsessed and this experience will make the ideal gift for them. At Staffordshire's Nelson's Gin Distillery and Gin School, the day features a lesson in the gin-making process and finding the perfect botanicals to match to create your very own signature recipe designed specifically to your preference.

£170 | Not On The High Street | Buy it now

Three Course Lunch for Two at the Michelin-Starred Ritz Restaurant

Enjoy a three course meal for two at one of London’s most iconic hotels with this experience. To mark any special occasion, whether Christmas or an anniversary, this experiences allows you to sample a Michelin-starred restaurant against the backdrop of the stunning Ritz décor.

£123 | Last Minute | Buy it now

iFLY Indoor Diving Experience for Two

Experience the sensation of sky diving without the fear of actually falling with iFly’s indoor diving. The purpose-build wind tunnel recreates the feeling with up to 120mph winds to create a truly thrilling experience.

£54 | Red Letter Days | Buy it now

2 for 1 Meeting The Meerkats Experience

If you are looking for an experience that is out of the ordinary, why not visit the Meerkats in Cambridge. Get up close and personal with the friendly creatures and even take pictures.

£49 | Red Letter Days | Buy it now

2 for 1 Relaxation Spa Day with Treatments for Two

Relax and unwind with this spa voucher than can be redeemed in 66 locations across the country. Offered for two people with treatments for both included, there are a large range to choose from, whether you’d prefer a massage, facial or pedicure.

£79 | Buyagift | Buy it now

Thames Lunch Cruise for Two

Be a tourist for the day and enjoy a two-course meal on a boat as your cruise along the Thames. Set to the backdrop of the London cityscape, you can enjoy the tasty meal, stroll along the top deck and see some of the city’s most impressive landmarks.

£45 | Virgin Experience Days | Buy it now

See the other ES Best gift guides here: